Erling Haaland scored his sixth and seventh FIFA World Cup 2026 goals as Norway pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory over five-time champions Brazil in the round of 16 at New York New Jersey Stadium on 6 July 2025, sending the South American giants home and propelling the Manchester City striker into the record books.

Historic Milestone

With his clinical brace, Haaland became the first player since West Germany's Gerd Muller at Mexico 1970 to score seven goals in his first four World Cup appearances. The feat also drew him level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings, setting up a compelling three-way race as the tournament enters the quarter-final stage.

Haaland on His Goal-Scoring Gift

Speaking in his post-match interview, a characteristically composed Haaland credited focus and instinct for his lethal finishing. 'That's just how it usually goes,' he said. 'If I get a chance or two, it usually ends up as a goal. I don't know how I do it, but that's how I do it. It's all about staying focused. I tell myself the chance will come. I'm starting to realise now that it's a gift from God that it goes in perfectly. It's crazy.'

The striker also sent a message to young Norwegian fans watching at home: 'I hope that when you get a little older, you'll see playing for Norway as the proudest thing you'll ever do in your entire life. It's absolutely insane.'

Norway's Unbeaten Record Against Brazil

The result extended Norway's remarkable unbeaten run against Brazil at the World Cup. Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, who produced four crucial saves — including a first-half penalty stop from Bruno Guimaraes — reflected on the magnitude of the win. 'We've never lost against them in the World Cup, right? It's incredible. We all know how good Brazil are, what they mean in the World Cup,' Nyland said. 'I'm so happy for all Norwegians. Now we get to stay here longer.'

For Brazil, the defeat marks their first round-of-16 exit since Diego Maradona's Argentina knocked them out at Italia '90 — a sobering historical footnote for a nation at an unprecedented 23rd FIFA World Cup appearance.

Haaland's International Record in Focus

Haaland has now scored 62 goals in 54 appearances for Norway — matching the Scandinavian international record held by his childhood hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who took 122 matches to reach the same tally. Notably, Haaland has scored in each of his last 14 competitive matches for Norway, netting 27 goals across that run.

With Norway through to the last eight, Haaland and the Golden Boot race will command global attention as the tournament heads into its most critical phase.